The rumors have been circulating for weeks, and at a Thursday morning teleconference, it became official.

NIU Athletic Director Jim Phillips is leaving NIU to fill the same position at Northwestern University.

Many schools have contacted Phillips during the last few years, he said, but he turned them down. But when Northwestern called, he said it was too good not to explore.

“It’s a dream,” Phillips said during a teleconference. “Northwestern would be the only kind of place [my family and I] would leave for. It’s a dream opportunity from a professional and a family standpoint.”

Northwestern is close to where Phillips grew up in Portage Park, and he still has family there, making the opportunity more enticing.

While the announcement’s timing was admittedly awkward, Phillips thought the announcement had to be made.

“My reluctance to discuss this [earlier] contradicts what I believe in,” he said. “I’m really uncomfortable with the focus being on me at this moment.”

While the announcement has been made and the paperwork filed, Phillips will not leave NIU until mid-April.

There is no word yet on Phillips’ replacement, according to NIU President John Peters. However, a nationwide search will begin immediately for his successor.

“While we have no timetable for completion of that search, we do expect an excellent pool of candidates for what has become one of college athletics’ most envied top positions,” Peters said.

In addition to athletic success, Phillips has stressed academic success. NIU athletes have posted five straight semesters with a cumulative GPA of over 3.0, including the highest marks in school history in Fall 2006.

“It’s all about the kids,” Phillips said. “It’s all about the student athletes.”

Despite moving on to Northwestern, Phillips remains grateful to NIU for giving him a chance nearly four years ago.

“In life, we all pick things that are important to us, and for me it’s family and faith,” Phillips said. “The Huskie family has been incredible. I’m not confused. Northwestern is a great opportunity, and I know I would not be here if not for NIU.”